2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid

Performance

2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid Performance Review

Note: This performance review was created when the 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid was new.

Scorecard

Performance:

8.5

When it comes to performance, reviewers are generally pleased with the 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Most are impressed with its two-mode hybrid system, which was developed with BMW and Chrysler. Many reviewers report that the Yukon Hybrid drives much like the gas-only Yukon, while others compare the performance to an unlikely competitor: the Toyota Prius.

"Like other hybrids, the GM versions combine an internal-combustion engine, in this case a 6.0-liter V-8, and two electric motors. Overall fuel economy rises by about 25 percent with no sacrifice in performance." -- Car and Driver

"It's not a stretch to say that driving the 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid feels like being behind the wheel of a 5,600-pound Prius." -- Edmunds

"The Yukon Hybrid is also a different animal when it comes to driving quality. Owners will have to get used to electric-motor whirring sounds, transmission shifts that sometimes mimic the high-strung revving of continuously variable units, less precise electric steering and hypersensitive regenerative brakes." -- AutoWeek

"Perhaps more impressive than any of these details, especially to the bigger families and weekend warriors who gravitate to vehicles of this size, our GMC Yukon 2-Mode Hybrid sacrifices little towing, payload capability, or passenger space." -- Motor Trend

"The driving experience is very similar to that of a Toyota Prius, where the engine will shut off at a stop and initial acceleration is handled by the electric motor." -- CNET

Acceleration and Power

The Yukon Hybrid's two-mode hybrid system is designed to achieve better fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or capability. Two electric motors are paired with the six-liter, 332-horsepower V8 engine. One powers the SUV at slow speeds, while the other assists the gasoline engine when more power is needed. Altogether, reviewers are impressed by the system, saying it delivers good acceleration and impressive (for a large SUV) fuel economy. The Yukon Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that most reviewers say works fine.

"The kicker -- and probably the biggest kick associated with driving the Yukon Hybrid -- is this vehicle's almost extra-terrestrial power, a gasoline-electric thrust that is both welcome and alien." -- AutoWeek

"Although the Hybrid is the most powerful Yukon available, it's also the heaviest, so don't expect particularly brisk acceleration. Still, its abundance of low-end power -- aided by those torque-rich electric motors -- produces plenty of grunt for both around-town chores and trailer towing." -- Edmunds

"We can say the new 2-Mode system (co-developed by DaimlerChrysler, BMW, and GM) is nothing short of stunning. ... In large-SUV history, this just might be the single greatest leap forward in powertrain technology." -- Motor Trend

"The Yukon two-mode accelerates with verve. The 'transmission' shifts imperceptibly and right when it should." -- New York Times

"There's a slight shudder as the gas engine fires, but the transition is amazingly smooth. We only noticed the change in behavior because we were really looking for it." -- Popular Mechanics

"We generally like how this power train operates, as it's a treat to silently glide forward in a 5,617-pound beast. Under hard acceleration we did feel big power fluctuations, with an initial boost followed by a very noticeable lag, then more power." -- CNET

Fuel economy

Despite fuel economy that's estimated to be 30 to 50 percent better than the gas-only Yukon, buyers shouldn't expect Prius-like mpg ratings for the Yukon Hybrid. After all, it is still a large SUV. Still, the two-wheel drive Yukon Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The four-wheel drive model gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in both city and highway driving.

"With a little feathering of the throttle, we drove more than a mile on electric power only, at speeds up to 28 mph. But when you stomp on the throttle, the engine thrums to life with full basso crescendo, accompanied by an immediate torque pull from the electric motors that is grand and glorious." -- AutoWeek

"Given this is a fuel-gulping 5600-pound sled, the results are impressive." -- Motor Trend

"There were a few times when I was able to drive on the battery alone (in traffic jams or on a level city street), and that obviously helped the overall mileage. What was remarkable to me was the consistency of the mileage in all types of driving." -- New York Times

"We were impressed that the 5,617-pound Yukon Hybrid could be driven under electric power only for close to 5 minutes. We think it could go even longer if the battery was fully charged." -- CNET

Most reviewers report that the GMC Yukon Hybrid handles like the large SUV that it is, though opinions are split on the SUV's braking. Some find it even better than the gas-only Yukon's, while others find the brakes too soft. Others report that the brakes are too grabby.

"The electric steering is competitive with that of other large S.U.V.'s. The noise level is low, the slight whine in all-electric mode is not obtrusive, and the regenerative braking feels right." -- New York Times

"As with most hybrids, brake feel is spongy, and electric steering can take getting used to, but they otherwise drive as well as the nonhybrid versions." -- Car and Driver

"We do have one small complaint: the brakes regenerate some of the hybrid's kinetic energy, which is great, but they feel a tad grabby. They're tricky to operate for smooth deceleration when towing." -- Popular Mechanics

"The Yukon Hybrid's suspension is as ridiculous as the drivetrain is sublime. The steering feels vague at low speeds and darty on the highway. Engaging four-wheel-drive mode makes the rig feel like a forklift, with all four wheels pushing in different directions." -- The Truth About Cars